Objective: To introduce the application and development of virtual reality (VR) in the field of rehabilitative training for motor dysfunction, and discuss the advantages and prospect of VR for motor rehabilitation. Data sources: Relevant literatures in PsycINFO and PubMed published between 1996 and 2006 were searched by computer with the words of "virtual reality, motor rehabilitation" in English. While relevant Chinese articles in CNKI between 1996 and 2006 were also searched with the words of "rehabilitation, virtual reality". Study selection: The literatures were reviewed in the first screening and judged by abstract and keywords. The reviews contained comprehensive introductions on VR technology and the experimental reports on VR used for motor rehabilitation in recent yeas were selected. Data extraction: Totally 121 English literatures and 21 Chinese literatures were collected. And 18 literatures measured up were selected. With some other literatures citing or cited the selected papers, a total of 30 literatures were finally viewed. Data synthesis: Among 30 included articles, 4 articles reviewed VR application for motor rehabilitation and the other 26 papers are experimental reports on VR for rehabilitative training of motor function injury. According to the content of motor exercises, the VR applications for motor rehabilitation are divided into four major categories: balance and posture training, locomotion training, upper and lower extremity function exercise, and training of activities of daily living. By imitating and performing motor exercises, patients with motor functional disabilities can complete specific training and learn motor skills within virtual environments. Movements and motor skills learned by people with disabilities in virtual environment can transfer to real world. Conclusion: Compared motor rehabilitation in real world versus virtual environments, VR training has been found with some advantages, such as less dangerous, more interesting, and more customized. Motor training in VR can improve motor learning and rehabilitation rate. Thus VP technology can be a valuable tool for motor rehabilitation and will develop rapidly.